Timing of Hoop-Dee-Doo Dinner Reservation and Fireworks

[Newcastle]

We were planning to book a reservation for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review for July 4th with the goal of going back to our resort (Poly) after dinner to watch the fireworks from the beach. We are trying to decide between the 4:00 pm and 6:15 pm shows. We don't love the idea of eating dinner at 4:00 pm but I don't know if we will be leaving ourselves enough time to get back to the Poly by boat/monorail to watch the fireworks (scheduled for 9:15 pm) if we choose our preferred 6:15 pm time slot. I'm not sure if anyone has any specific experience in terms of the length of the show and time required to travel from FW back to the Poly but any info would be appreciated.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would do 4 pm. The show is about 2 hours long so that gives you plenty of time to get back to Poly. Unless you can find a Minnie Van to pick you up at Ft. W to take you back to Poly immediately after the 6:15 pm show, I don't think an hour is enough time. I, personally, wouldn't risk it if seeing the fireworks from Poly is important to you.

 

[michelepa]

I would do 4 pm. The show is about 2 hours long so that gives you plenty of time to get back to Poly. Unless you can find a Minnie Van to pick you up at Ft. W to take you back to Poly immediately after the 6:15 pm show, I don't think an hour is enough time. I, personally, wouldn't risk it if seeing the fireworks from Poly is important to you.

Agreed. The HDDR is fantastic but a pain to get to and fro and quite a transportation process and no way is quick. Rather than worry about time constraints if you are def set on fireworks after the meal, I too would chose 4:00.

Boat connections are one way to get to Poly but the boats are not quick. The boat dock is just a short walk from HDDR but many people take the boat so there may be more waiting then expected.

Minnie Vans, or other car services, are also available but they all drop off and pick you up near the registration outpost for FW, which is nowhere near HDDR. Indeed, you must take the internal bus from the outpost to HDDR -the services are not permitted to drive you directly to HDDR. The bus is very slow because there are many stops inside campground. After show it's the same internal bus process back to registration outpost area.

 

[Betty Rohrer]

We were planning to book a reservation for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review for July 4th with the goal of going back to our resort (Poly) after dinner to watch the fireworks from the beach. We are trying to decide between the 4:00 pm and 6:15 pm shows. We don't love the idea of eating dinner at 4:00 pm but I don't know if we will be leaving ourselves enough time to get back to the Poly by boat/monorail to watch the fireworks (scheduled for 9:15 pm) if we choose our preferred 6:15 pm time slot. I'm not sure if anyone has any specific experience in terms of the length of the show and time required to travel from FW back to the Poly but any info would be appreciated.

Not sure if you know or not but the fireworks can be watched from beach at the Fort if timing doesn't work out which we have done a number of times while staying at the Fort

 

[OneinThree]

I agree with others and really can't see how you could reasonably make it for the fireworks after the 6:15 show.

 

[NYCgrrl]

The transport time will be approx. 45 minutes including transfer and wait time. Since the 6:15 show ends around 8:15 and the fire works start at 9:15 you should be fine albeit a bit tight.

 

[Newcastle]

Thanks for the responses everyone including the detailed info regarding travel to and from FW! I think since I generally don't like to have to rush from place to place, I will probably book the 4 pm time slot. That way, we can take our time getting back and I won't become stressed if there are any transportation issues. Thanks again for your input .

 

[CaptainKat]

If it's running in the right direction, you could take the FW/WL/Contemp loop boat, then the monorail to Poly. They change up whether it goes WL->FW->CR->WL or FW->WL->CR, but if it'll go straight to CR from the Fort it would likely be faster than the boat to MK and boat or monorail to Poly, especially because the line for the loop boat will likely be shorter and the trip is faster. Still very tight if you just miss one or the line is backed up.

 

[bluedolphin32]

Minnie Vans, or other car services, are also available but they all drop off and pick you up near the registration outpost for FW, which is nowhere near HDDR. Indeed, you must take the internal bus from the outpost to HDDR -the services are not permitted to drive you directly to HDDR. The bus is very slow because there are many stops inside campground. After show it's the same internal bus process back to registration outpost area.

I thought I've read many places that one of the advantages of taking a Minnie Van to HDDR is that they drop you off right in front of Pioneer Hall. Uber/Lyft are not allowed to, but Minnie Vans have that privilege. Is that wrong? That was my ace in the hole if we're running late that day.

 

[Shelleyfs]

I have read the same thing, bluedolphin.

 

[HopperFan]

Minnie Vans, or other car services, are also available but they all drop off and pick you up near the registration outpost for FW, which is nowhere near HDDR. Indeed, you must take the internal bus from the outpost to HDDR -the services are not permitted to drive you directly to HDDR. The bus is very slow because there are many stops inside campground. After show it's the same internal bus process back to registration outpost area.

I thought I've read many places that one of the advantages of taking a Minnie Van to HDDR is that they drop you off right in front of Pioneer Hall. Uber/Lyft are not allowed to, but Minnie Vans have that privilege. Is that wrong? That was my ace in the hole if we're running late that day.

I have read the same thing, bluedolphin.

Minnie Vans are able to go all the way to Pioneer Hall. Uber/Lyft are not.

"If you qualify for the service these vans will drop you off at locations that other taxis cannot enter. Because it is a Disney run service they will be able to take you to Pioneer Hall in the Fort Wilderness Resort." - Disney Mom Panel

"There are other situations where the Minnie Van drop-off point offers a distinct advantage. If you’re going to Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue or Trail’s End at Fort Wilderness, you will be dropped off at Pioneer Hall (no internal bus system!)." - Disney Tourist Blog

 

[michelepa]

Minnie Vans are able to go all the way to Pioneer Hall. Uber/Lyft are not.

"If you qualify for the service these vans will drop you off at locations that other taxis cannot enter. Because it is a Disney run service they will be able to take you to Pioneer Hall in the Fort Wilderness Resort." - Disney Mom Panel

"There are other situations where the Minnie Van drop-off point offers a distinct advantage. If you’re going to Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue or Trail’s End at Fort Wilderness, you will be dropped off at Pioneer Hall (no internal bus system!)." - Disney Tourist Blog

That would be great but that was not our friend's experience at the Beach Ckub over spring break.

 

[HopperFan]

That would be great but that was not our friend's experience at the Beach Ckub over spring break.

That is too bad because it's been reported from a wide variety of sources and even personal experiences that they do. There is a wide drive with internal bus stop not far from the Pioneer Hall where they bring the buses in after the last show to take folks directly back to their hotels (I've done it) and there is no reason Minnie Vans can not pull into the same area since there is usually only a couple buses there.

"Finally, Disney’s Minnie Van service also drops off directly at Pioneer Hall just outside of Hoop and Trail’s End, making it one of the more intelligent destinations to use ..." - EASYWDW

Since no one reported actually taking one to Hoop dee doo review, just wanted to say that we just did. Took 20 minutes total from time of requesting the Minnie Van from BWV including installing car seat and being dropped off at the Circle D Ranch bus stop. The walk was easily handled by my MIL with knee replacements and bad hips. Maybe about a 3 minute walk to Pioneer Hall. $20 well spent for us.

I had to get 7 adults, 3 kids, and an ECV from EPCOT to the 6:15 HDDR on December 22. I asked the Poly concierge how to do so with Minnie Vans, since the ECV required a special vehicle. The awesome CM gave me a number to call about an hour before we needed a ride. I called at 4:15 (from Canada), two vans arrived at the taxi lot at 5:15, they dropped us off at the bus stop near Pioneer Hall, and we were checked in to HDDR by 5:45. $40 well spent, and both vans were charged to my Lyft account. The only downside was that the New Yorkers in my party complained about the smell of horse poop.

The number to call is 407-828-3500

I have not personally done it, but I have read about it and been told by at least 2 Minnie Van drivers that they will drive you right to Pioneer hall. Most recently on March 28th!

Yes. We took a Minnie Van from the YC to Hoop De Doo last November and he took us to the stables right near Pioneer Hall. Its better than taking the bus to WL. The driver even commented that only Minnie Vans can do that since they are Disney owned. Uber and Lyft cannot even though the Minnie Van is booked through the Lyft app.

 

[Newcastle]

This is all very helpful information! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to reply .